John Mayer Discography

The John Mayer discography isn't vast, but Mayer continues to record and release new tunes every year or so. John Mayer, singer, songwriter and heart throb for a number of women, began his career in 1999 with Sony Music Distribution, but moved over to Columbia in 2003. With music downloads the rule in the modern music market, it really doesn't matter what label Mayer rocks. His music is available for download from his own record label, as well as from the major download services. Tracing John Mayer discography does illustrate, however, the major changes in his musical style and songwriting techniques.

1. The Early Releases. The "Room For Squares," 2001 entry on the John Mayer discography, has the dubious honor of hosting a handful of songs available on "Inside Wants Out," Mayer's first self-released album released in 1999. Like many first-time efforts by new artists, the recording quality, the mixing and the arrangements, lack the verve and the professional direction a big-time studio can provide. A handful of Mayer's songs from "Inside Wants Out" were re-recorded and, in some cases, refined a bit to feature Mayer's talents more prominently. The production quality is smoother and the arrangements tighter. Several of the songs, including "No Such Thing," were co-written by Mayer with other band members. 
2. Popular Offering. The "Any Given Thursday" entry in the John Mayer discography, released 2003, featured two discs. One of tunes recorded in Birmingham and the other a mix of recordings from Mayer recorded in Philadelphia, PA and Hartford, CT, as well as a few more from Birmingham. The live cuts also highlight Mayer's ability to tell a fine tale and a joke or two. The audience clearly digs the humor. A second disc companion, "Heavier Things" released in 2003, handled the over-flow tunes from, "Any Given Thursday." Much of that CD was recorded at the same time as "Thursday." Mayer fans should skip the first release and go for the second, since the later release offers surround-sound mixes and a video of Mayer recording at home. True fans, may prefer simply to just buy both and go for the mix reflecting their mood that day. 
3. Mayer Live. "As/is" and "Try! John Mayer Trio LIve in Concert" show Mayer back with using Sony Music Distribution for the "As/is" 2004 release, ranked my many listeners as a "fans only" CD. The artist re-covers a few of his self-penned early tunes and introduces his version of two Marvin Gaye ditties, including "inner City Blues." The "Try!" offering released in 2005 also remixes and rearranges some fan favorites. Real Mayerites dig more favorite songs on these CDs on the John Meyer discography list. Mayer's company knows how to market the favorites and Mayer knows how to spin a song arrangement with just enough unique flare to make it sound new again. 
4. Focus on Acoustic Guitar Work.  Mayer was back in the studio for a 2006 release for Aware Records. The "Continuum" CD features "Gravity" and "Stop This Train." The artist's guitar playing is the focus on this CD offering. "Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles" featured his live music again in 2008, but also allowed him to focus on a bit of acoustic playing.  This CD release for Columbia features tunes played at the Nokia Theatre. Listeners can hear "Neon," "Daughters," "Free Fallin'" and "Stop the Train."
5. Mixing Musical Stylings. "Battle Studies" another Columbia release for Mayer, this time in 2009. John Mayer mixes up musical styles with jazz, folk and mainstream rocking. The classic cuts on the CD include "Who Says." "Born and Raised," released 2011, another entry on the John Mayer discography, includes the self-titled tune, "A Face to Call Home" and a drinking favorite, "Whiskey, Whiskey, Whiskey," and also dusts up the difference in musical stylings. A bit of jazz, some rock and even some folk, appear on this CD. Both CDs have more introspective lyrics from a guy who isn't shy about exposing his inner feelings.